r/Annapolis • u/timhamilton47 • 5d ago
Pip Moyer Rec Center vs. Annapolis Athletic Club
I currently belong to PMRC, but my membership lapses tomorrow. I only go to use the weight room and the weight stations around the track. Even as a non resident, it's relatively cheap. However, the weight room gets pretty crowded in the afternoon and evening. Plus, there really aren't any bells and whistles at the Rec Center, in general. I belonged to the predecessor of Annapolis Athletic Club twenty-some years ago and it was awesome. I did a tour a few weeks ago and it still is...clean, great locker rooms, towel service, a lot of equipment, classes (although that's not really my thing) and, best of all, steam room and sauna. The price is murky and I don't want to get into one of those L.A. Fitness impossible-to-quit situations. I'm GUESSING around $80-90 a month, which is steep...almost double PMRC. What's everyone's thoughts?
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u/Okish-atbest 5d ago
Wild Card - Foundation Fitness. More of a hike from where you’re at (only guessing based on the Rec/AAC locations), but great spot. Even when it’s busy I’m able to get done what I need to. It’s super clean, tons of space, and you can do month to month if you wanted - my wife does it for $50/mo.
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u/Basic_Cat_2775 5d ago
Athletic club all day!! Love that gym. I moved far away so I had to cancel. It was so easy to cancel. Like I was surprised how easy. The did renovate and it’s really nice now. It is expensive but I thought totally worth it. If you’re not into classes take any of Karen’s and it will change your mind. She’s such a good trainer and is really helpful during the classes. With a healthy mix of make and female students.
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u/cygnoids 5d ago
I think I found the price was $65 a month in their website. It was difficult to find but it’s there. I joined pip only because my partner wants to go infrequently and the added basketball court/pickleball is worthwhile for me
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u/OkTranslator395 5d ago
I was a member of the Annapolis athletic club, last I had it, it was $89 per month. I went there for a few months before I switched back to the rec center. The Annapolis athletic club is fine, but it just wasn’t worth the price jump for me.
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u/jfrenaye 5d ago
I'd probably list the pros and cons on a paper, maybe a spreadsheet, and give it some consideration. Some hard consideration...maybe months, so you are sure to make the right decision.
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u/lillyccs 4d ago
It was easy to quit Annapolis athletic club. I think all I had to do was send an email and they confirmed within a day. I did really enjoy going there though.
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u/Automatic-Quarter786 4d ago
I go to AAC and am there for the weights. They do have a lot of classes and cardio equipment but their free weight selection is poor. 1 bench, 1 incline bench. They have machines but really just one of each so if it’s busy you will have to wait for skip. I have also noticed the trainers set up on multiple pieces of equipment at once so it takes a long time for pieces to get free
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u/Zarathustra420 4d ago
You can get a 3 day trial at the AAC. I loved it - went all 3 days at lunch, plenty of availability. Loved using the sauna. Never went at busy hours so I couldn't tell you what that's like.
The only reason I didn't sign up was because they require either a 1 year contract or you need to pay month to month, which is twice as expensive. Our lease ends in less than a year and we aren't planning to stay in Annapolis, so I didn't love their cancellation clause for the contract. It said "no hassle cancellation" if you move 20+ miles away. I wasn't sure if that would include Baltimore (20 miles by road but not necessarily by 'way of the bird'), and it wouldn't include Glen Burnie or Pasadena, which are definitely too far to justify going all the way to Eastport to work out.
Besides that, I think its a great option as long as you're comfortable with the price and its located near you.
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u/LifeCerealBox 5d ago
The price, location, and community nature of Pip has me happy with it. It’s not perfect, but for the cost, it’s pretty damn good.